If the 17 hives are healthy bees, what a deal. For $3,000, that would be under $200 per hive. (A package of bees with queen is around $100.) Add in an extractor that probably cost over $1,000 new. And a large number of boxes you could sterilize. Even replacing every frame, this is a great deal. Wish I was closer and had the money.

If I lived closer and could inspect prior to purchase (of if I knew someone around that could inspect for me), I'd probably do it. Little too risky for me to drive 9 hours, each way, to find out they are diseased, boxes falling apart, and the like. Shame though.